How to get the most
bang for your...euro

By Dennis Richardson
Special Sections Senior Writer

The sinking value of the U.S. dollar doesn’t necessarily have to sabotage your international vacation plans, travel experts say. There are ways to stretch your dollar overseas and still have a great vacation, according to travel consultants Peter Moss, of Liberty Travel in Boca Raton, and Boots Kenney of Adventure Travels/American Express in Pompano Beach. Moss and Kenney offered the following tips:

1. Take the tour.
Book all-inclusive tours whenever possible. These can include airfare, accommodations, meals, entertainment, service charge and taxes.

2. Pay attention to where you are going.
Consider accommodations and restaurants that are a little off the beaten path. “Going one block away from the Champs-Élysées in Paris, you can find food that is just as delicious, but less expensive,” Moss said.

3. Give yourself credit.
If your credit card offers a good exchange rate, use it whenever possible, but be aware that rates may vary. When you need cash, don’t use an airport ATM. Withdraw cash at the bank, through a teller, or use the bank ATM after hours, for the best combination of low fees and fair exchange rates. Also, exchange Traveler’s checks at a bank, instead of your hotel.

4. Get out of the big city.
Paris, London and Rome may have all the sites you want to see, but staying in a smaller city
nearby and commuting by train can save money.

5. Consider a different country.
Most travelers on their first trip to Europe want to visit England, France, Germany and Italy. But there are other wonderful, less expensive destinations. Try Belgium, Poland, Croatia or Hungary.

6. Pegged to the dollar.
Visiting a place where the economy is pegged to the U.S. dollar is another money-stretching option. Consider the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Hong Kong. “Argentina is one that is an exceptionally good value,” Moss said.

7. Be accommodating.
Consider downgrading your accommodations, or staying in a bed-and-breakfast, a hostel, or even a “pod” hotel, where you get a bed and a sink in return for significant savings. Pod hotels – which have been used in Asia for years – are gaining popularity in Europe. They can vary greatly in size, so check before you travel.[train] crews are friendly and accommodating. It’s a good time to be on the train.”